About Network Modeling Center

Researchers at the Network Modeling Center (NMC)

Researchers are actively engaged in fundamental research related to network models, with an emphasis on dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models, and the application of DTA models to determine the system-level impacts of changes to the transportation network infrastructure.

Please visit our Research page for a summary of past and current research, and our Projects page for past and current model applications.

Why Dynamic Traffic Assignment?

DTA modeling allows us to examine the impacts that a change to the transportation network will have on travelers’ route choices throughout the network.

Since the modeling is done at a scale in between traditional macroscopic models, which produce performance measures averaged over periods of one hour or longer, and microscopic models, which are only capable of modeling very small areas such as part of a corridor, DTA can look at impacts over a sub-region and at a refined time scale.

A lane is proposed to be added to the MoPac Expressway in both the north and south directions between Loop 360 and Parmer Lane. Driving alone in the new lane will lead to a toll charge. NMC examined the impact that this facility could have on traffic in downtown Austin.

The construction of several new schools in Williamson County will lead to new travel demand and new roadways. The goal of this project is to assess the future impact of these changes on nearby roadways including a nearby highway interchange and to examine several options for interchange redesign.

This two year project for the Texas Department of Transportation developed guidelines for adapting DTA to model and mitigate bottlenecks more generally. The project summary report can be accessed here. The guidebook can be accessed here.